Mental Health & Behavioral Disorders

ADHD, also called attention-deficit disorder, is a behavior disorder, usually first diagnosed in childhood. It is characterized by inattention, impulsivity, and, in some cases, hyperactivity.

In this overview, you’ll learn what behaviors to look for in your child as you and your health care providers evaluate a potential autism spectrum disorder diagnosis. We also provide guidance on how to best care for your child with autism.

Persistent depressive disorder is classified as a type of affective disorder (also called mood disorder) that often resembles a less severe, yet more chronic form of major (clinical) depression.

The term eating disorders refers to a variety of conditions that involve abnormal eating behaviors. Learn more about two of the most common eating disorders in children, anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa.

Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is a serious mental health problem in which a child has a lot of worry and fear that seems to have no real cause. Learn more about this condition.

A learning disorder is when a child has trouble learning in certain school subjects. Learn more about this condition.

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) includes thoughts and obsessions (impulses or images) that occur over and over, and that cause a child or teen to feel a great deal of distress.

Obstructive sleep apnea occurs when a child stops breathing during periods of sleep.

Panic disorder is diagnosed when a child has recurring panic attacks and ongoing concern about having more attacks for longer than one month.

PANS and PANDAS are diagnoses that often include the sudden onset of obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) or eating restrictions as well as symptoms from at least two of seven categories. Learn more about diagnosing and treating this condition.